By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo are through to the final sixteen of the Copa do Brasil after a 2-1 win over ASA in Volta Redonda. Coupled with their 2-0 victory in the first leg last week Fla cruised into the next round with a 4-1 aggregate victory.
The win maintained Flamengo’s hundred percent record in the competition. Elias, captaining the side in Léo Moura’s absence, and Marcelo Moreno scored the goals with Osmar replying for the visitors.
The final sixteen will see the entrants from this year’s Copa Libertadores competitors. Fluminense, Corinthians, São Paulo, Atlético-MG, Palmeiras and Grêmio will all enter the fray.
Yet last night, despite a slow start against limited opposition, Flamengo always looked like walking away with the win. Elias, accustomed to playing in holding midfield, was pushed further forward by coach Mano Menezes and opened the scoring three minutes before the interval, converting João Paulo´s cross.
Ten minutes after the interval Osmar equalized for ASA, leaving them two goals behind on aggregate. Buoyed by the goal the Alagoans began to pressurize their more illustrious hosts.
A series of crosses peppered the Flamengo penalty area but were dealt with ably by Felipe in goal. As time wore on Flamengo began to look dangerous on the counter, Paulinho’s pace becoming an increasingly prominent factor against jaded legs.
It would prove when he provided the Flamengo’s second of the night to kill off any final ASA resistance. Flamengo continue their quest for a first major title since 2009.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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